13 injured in Metro Blue Line crash south of downtown Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - A minivan apparently went through a red light today and collided with a Metro Blue Line train south of downtown Los Angeles, leaving a dozen people injured, two seriously, authorities said.

Paramedics were sent to 328 E. Washington Blvd. shortly before 10 a.m. Ten patients were transported in fair condition for hospital treatment, and two were transported in serious condition, said Katherine Main of the Los Angeles Fire Department. One person declined medical aid, she said.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Toyota Sienna was southbound on Maple Avenue when the driver ran a red light and the minivan collided with the train, said Paul Gonzales of Metro.

The driver of the Toyota was among the injured, according to Gonzales, who said 10 people were injured on the train.

Trains were “single tracking” between the Washington and Venice station while crews worked to clear the accident scene, a process that took about an hour, Metro reported. During that time, travelers experienced delays of about 15 minutes.